What is the story about?
Every year, lakhs of Indian students head abroad to pursue higher education degree, but there are several other lakhs of students who drop their plans
due to sudden change in visa rules and regulations. This year has been a tumultuous one due to this very reason. From the US to the UK, to New Zealand, to Canada, and many more -- several countries brought changes to their visa regulations. Scroll down to check what are these changes and whether these changes can help Indian students or not.
United Kingdom (UK)
UK has once again decided to bring changes in the popular Graduate Route visa that is provided to international students. Through this, international students are able to stay back in the country for a limited period of time to find full time jobs with the local companies present in the UK.
In 2025, the UK government reduced the validity of this Graduate Route visa from two year (25 months) to 18 months (1.5 years). This was not implemented immediately and will be implemented for applications made on or after January 1, 2027.
Additionally, visa fees was also increased some rules on taking dependents to the country also became stricter.
Canada
While there were no major changes in student visa fees etc, Canada's 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan slashed the arrival targets for immigrants. Under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the country aims to welcome only about 155,000 new students, nearly 49 per cent fewer than the previous year’s target.
Additionally, from October 2025, Canada increased the number of hours international students will be allowed to work off campus.
As per the updated information,international students in Canada are allowed to work off campus up to 24 hours per week during regular school terms or semesters, and without a work permit. They can work more than one job to make up these hours as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your study permit. Off-campus work refers to any employment done by an international student or study permit holder outside the premises of their designated learning institution.
New Zealand
With an aim to welcome more immigrants, including international students, the New Zealand government this year announced several changes to its immigration policies under the International Education Going for Growth Plan.
Like Canada, New Zealand, too, increased the work hours limit. As per the revised guidelines, all eligible tertiary and secondary students will now be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during their studies, an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours. Most student visas already permit full-time work during scheduled breaks, and those with this condition can apply for the additional hours after summer, provided their visa remains valid.
Additionally, the New Zealand government has also extended in-study work rights to all tertiary students engaged in approved exchange or study abroad programmes, including one-semester courses.
Australia
With the number of international students and immigrants increasing multifold in the past few years, the Australian government believes that this can put pressure on universities, housing and local resources. To bring relief and ensure that the situation doesn't get worse than this, the Australian government has announced that visa processing will be stricter now.
The universities and institutes carefully managing their international student numbers will be given priority. The level of transparency will increase and the strictness in assessment of genuine candidates will also increase.
Denmark
The Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration has announced plans to introduce initiatives to prevent student stays from being exploited as a pathway into the country’s labor market. To ensure that students from third world countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal do not misuse the study visa, the government will give universities the opportunity to tighten the academic entry requirements for master's programmes.
Denmark government has suggested universities to conduct an entrance exam or targeted language test. In addition, control of cheating will be strengthened, and cheating will be sanctioned more severely. Additionally, the Danish government will also cut off the possibility for students to bring their family members and shorten the job search period after completing their education.
United States of America (US)
There have been several proposed changes in the US study visa, which may or may not be implemented next year. As of now, the US government has decided to move away from the long-standing 'duration of status' model and tied student visa validity directly to the length of the academic programme. Proposed regulations aim to limit how long student visas can be issued and tighten background checks and screening.
Additionally, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme faces potential significant amendments or discontinuation due to fraud/ national security concerns and protecting US workers. Students needing more time (e.g., PhD, research) must apply for extensions with USCIS, similar to work visas, increasing paperwork and potential delays.
Also, the level of checking and verification of personal social media accounts etc are bound to get stricter now with the Trump administration tightening the visa rules and surveillance of the student visa and H-1B visa applications.
